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GIK, Rives, Real Traps

I just moved into a new house. I set up the system in a room to be used just for the stereo system and it sounds no where near what it used to in the other house. Too much echo, loss of sound stage, imaging, etc. I haven't messed with speaker placement too much yet, but it is clear to me that I need some acoustic room treatment.
Seems like there are a lot of options out there. Not sure which way to proceed. I have a lot of money wrapped up in the system, so it's time to maximize the room acoustics also. Anyone have experience with these products? Any advice would be appreciated.
mikewen
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Mikewen, you are on to something, which will take time. Real Traps was very helpful in doing my acoustical treatments. I sent them a layout of my room and set up and they came back with a custom, fitted treatment that was spot on. Professional help never fails. Also, read Jim Smith's book and Floyd Toole's book, as they both provide great insight into 'getting it right'. Be open to changing your speakers as they and the room itself, need to be in sync.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Great advice so far. GIK and Real Traps are the real deal. (Pardon the pun.) Pop over to the acoustic circle on AudioCircle and you can usually converse directly with Ethan and Brian, as well as a few other acoustic dudes. If you aren't going for a completely dedicated room, I would offer that you might want get your furnishings in place first. You can get a long way with a couple of stuffed chairs in the room, breaking up walls with furniture, etc., and proper speaker placement for the room. Keep working on it, it may take some experimenting for a little while.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
If the room is dedicated to audio, which to me means less furnishings, acoustic treatments are a necessity. Do go to AudioCircle and check url=http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=73.0]the Acoustic Circle.[/url] Very helpful people there.
mikewen OP
5 posts
 
Great advice! Thanks guys. I will pick up Jim Smith's book and have checked out audio circle. My room is "dedicated" in that it will be used for listening, and not much else. So not much furniture in there.
The room has an irregular shape, so I think I will need some expert help, (plus I'm too lazy to figure this out for myself.).
Rives seems to be more costly than the others. Do they provide a more comprehensive service? What is the main difference between them and the other two?
edge22
31 posts
 
My experience with GIK has been great. Great customer service and reasonable prices. I sent them pictures of my room, and their suggestions have been spot on. They were also very patient with all of my questions. The GIK room treatments have made a HUGE improvement in sound quality and musical enjoyment.
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